According to reports in the Italian media outlet Corriere della Sera, via The Sun, Chelsea are ready to outbid Premier League rivals Manchester United in the battle to sign Inter Milan winger Ivan Perisic.
What’s the word, then?
Well, former Blues boss Jose Mourinho is understood to be keen to bring the highly-rated Croatia international to Old Trafford this summer and was said to be lining up a £50m offer for the 28-year-old, but now the Portuguese manager’s former club are ready to offer £55m for Perisic.
Inter only signed the attacker from Wolfsburg in 2015 but as they are in danger of missing out on European football next term – and they are under pressure to balance the book under the strict financial fair play rules – they could be forced to cash in on one of their star men at the end of the campaign.
How has he done this season?
Despite the fact that it has been a disappointing campaign for Inter as they currently sit seventh in the Serie A table and they were knocked out of the Europa League in the group stages, the 28-year-old has enjoyed a positive personal season.
He has scored 10 goals and provided a further nine assists in 37 appearances in all competitions for the Italian giants, while he was also one of Croatia’s standout players during their Euro 2016 campaign last summer.
Where would he fit in at Stamford Bridge?
The Croatian would provide some more strength in depth across the wide areas and would be competing with the likes of Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian for a spot in Antonio Conte’s starting XI.
What’s the verdict, then?
Whether Chelsea or Manchester United are willing to spend the reported amounts on Perisic remains to be seen, but he has certainly shown over the course of the last few years that he has the ability to make an impact in England.
The Blues do need more competition in the wide attacking areas, and they would of course love to get one over on Mourinho if possible.
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